DESPERATE CHOICES OF YOUTH: WHEN UNEMPLOYMENT DRIVES DREAMS ABROAD

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Recently, I spoke with a fresh Nigerian university graduate who expressed a startling preference: he would rather live in a prison overseas than reside in a two-bedroom apartment in any African country. When I reminded him that prison meant losing his freedom, he argued that life in many African countries already felt like a prison.


This young man, in his early twenties, confessed he would do anything to leave the country—even if it meant committing a crime that would land him in prison, whether at home or abroad. He lamented the difficulty of finding a job since graduating two years prior.


Three years later, I learned that this same young man was caught at an American international airport with several kilograms of cocaine and was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. This tragic outcome reflects the harsh reality faced by many young people desperate to succeed in life.


Hearing about his incarceration raised many questions in my mind:


As a fresh graduate, were there truly no jobs he could have pursued besides the white-collar roles he desired?

Is two years of unemployment enough reason for a young person to turn to crime?

Why would someone under thirty be so desperate to start earning money at any cost?

Why don’t African countries have social security systems to support unemployed youth until they find meaningful work?

Despite economic, social, and political challenges, wouldn’t it be more rewarding for young graduates to stay and contribute to their countries’ growth rather than seeking greener pastures abroad?

Since providing employment is a primary government responsibility, why are so many African nations unable to create jobs for their citizens?

Comments

  1. Reuben Nwajei26 October 2022 at 12:51

    I enjoyed the article,we all need a healthier environment

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous30 October 2022 at 15:00

    Living in environment that can enhance our potentials and strength is very good and important.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous30 October 2022 at 21:04

    If the government of a country truly cares for her citizen, there won't be need to seek better life outside one's country.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous2 November 2022 at 10:33

    Somebody should tell the young man that it's better to stay in his country and work hard to improve his condition than to go to a foreign land and live in the prison where his freedom will be limited

    ReplyDelete

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